The Ladder of Icon Writing

During our icon workshops, we give each student a copy of the Twenty Two Steps of Contemplation; as you begin your icon, this is what each step represents and we meditate on each step as we write our icon in prayer:

1. The Board = The Tree of Life–A Return to Paradise

2. The Linen = The Veil–The Shroud

3. The Gesso = Quiet–Emptiness–Virgin Whiteness–Mother of all color

4. The Drawing = The Sign–First Name Giving

5. Engraving = Deepening–White into White

6. Clay = The Nature of Man

7. Gold = Also the Nature of Man

8. Red Venchik = Alpha–Red Diadem

9. Rozkrish = Chaos

10. First Lines = Second Name Giving

11. First Light = Cosmos–Body; Material

12. First Float = Also Cosmos–Body; Material

13. Second Light = Anthropos–Soul

14. Second Float = Also Anthropos–Soul

15. Third Light = Theocosmos–Spiritual Mind

16. Third Float = Also Theocosmos–Spiritual Mind

17. Final Drawing = Real Name

18. Ozhivki = Life Giving Lights

19. White Venchik = Omega–White Diadem

20. Olifa = Oil–Chrism–The icon is sealed for service

21. Liturgical Consecration = Mystical Name Giving–Energetic Union of the Image with the Prototype